Air India has issued a statement after one of their planes headed for Gatwick airport crashed shortly after take off in India, carrying hundreds of people on board.
The statement confirms that Air India flight 171 departed from Ahmedabad airport earlier today (12 June) at 13.38 local time, with the Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft carrying a total of 242 people.
Heading to London, British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has spoken out on the incident while explaining what support the UK was providing to the investigation in to what has happened after the plane left the Indian city of Ahmedabad.
Air India's statement on the crash
"Air India confirms that flight AI171, from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in an accident today after take-off," the airline has now said.
"The flight, which departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hrs, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Of these, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, one Canadian national and seven Portuguese nationals."
"The injured are being taken to the nearest hospitals," they added. "We have also set up a dedicated passenger hotline number 1800 5691 444 to provide more information. Air India is giving its full cooperation to the authorities investigating this incident."
UK Government's response
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said his thoughts were with the passengers and families of those on the Air India flight.
He said: “The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating. I am being kept updated as the situation develops, and my thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time.”
The Foreign Office said the 'UK is working with local authorities in India to urgently establish the facts and provide support to those involved'.
"British nationals who require consular assistance or have concerns about friends or family should call 020 7008 5000," they added.
Commons Leader Lucy Powell added that the UK government will provide 'all the support that it can' to those on the flight.
“The thoughts of the whole House and the Government will be with the families of those traveling on flight AI171 from Ahmedabad in India to London, Gatwick, which has reportedly crashed,” she said in the Commons.
“This is an unfolding story, and it will undoubtedly be causing a huge amount of worry and concern to the many, many families and communities here and those waiting for the arrival of their loved ones.
“We send our deepest sympathy and thoughts to all those families, and the Government will provide all the support that it can with those in India on those in this country as well.”
And David Lammy, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, said in his own statement: "Deeply saddened by news of a devastating plane crash in Ahmedabad, India. My thoughts are with all those affected. The UK is working with local authorities in India to urgently establish the facts and provide support."
Airport's response to the tragedy
Air India’s chairman N. Chandrasekaran said that 'our primary focus is on supporting all the affected people and their families'.
He insisted that the airline is 'doing everything in our power to assist the emergency response teams at the site and to provide all necessary support and care to those impacted'.
A spokesperson for Ahmedabad Airport has also confirmed the incident, adding: "Flight Al 171 from Ahmedabad to London, Gatwick, earlier today, was involved in a crash shortly after takeoff, outside the airport.
"As a result, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad, is currently not operational. All flight operations are temporarily suspended until further notice.
"Passengers are advised to check with their respective airlines for the latest updates before proceeding to the airport. We request your cooperation and patience as authorities manage this evolving situation. Further updates will be provided as soon as available."
Gatwick Airport, where the plane was scheduled to land, said: "We can confirm that flight AI171 that crashed on departure from Ahmedabad Airport today was due to land at London Gatwick at 18:25."
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Anish Vij